Addressing Ovarian Cancer Platinum Resistance Disparities: Population Studies and New Therapeutic Approaches for Black Women
The Story
With an estimated 19,880 new cases and 12,810 deaths to occur in 2022, ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the leading causes of death for women in the United States. While non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients have higher OC incidence, Black patients have significantly higher rates of recurrence and worse survival outcomes. Recent findings suggest that cisplatin resistance may contribute to the observed disparities, as Black OC patients are more likely to develop resistance and to have higher resistances to platinum drugs. Thus, to address racial disparities in OC recurrence and survival, the search for new platinum drugs able to circumvent cisplatin resistance using a different mechanism of action is of utmost importance.
What We’re Doing
This pilot project has two primary objectives: to determine whether cisplatin resistance is a potential factor and/or driver of observed racial disparities in OC outcomes; and to investigate whether arsenoplatins, a family of novel and promising anticancer dual-pharmacophore agents, demonstrate therapeutic potential against cisplatin-resistant OC cells7 and, if so, which mechanism mediates the effect. For Aim 1, we will work closely with our community partner, the Black Cancer Collaborative, to evaluate differences in survival outcomes between NHW and Black OC patients, by treatment received. For Aim 2, we will investigate arsenoplatin potency and mechanism of action using cell lines, cell-derived xenograft (CDX)models, and racially diverse patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. If successful, this study will address knowledge gaps in the factors driving race-based OC recurrence and survival disparities, uncover new drug discovery strategies, and help support healthier communities.
Pilot Project #2 – Research Team & Partners
- Dr. Wenan Qiang (NU)
- Dr. Daniela Matei (NU)
- Dr. Denana Miodragovic (NEIU)
- Dr. Caryn Peterson (UIC)
- Kimberly Richardson (Community)
Study Results
Study is underway. Please check back for study updates and results! Contact us to learn more or to get involved.
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